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NHL Insider Provides Important Update on Where the Philadelphia Flyers Stand in the Rick Tocchet Sweepstakes
Photo credit: The Hockey News
In the latest development of the NHL coaching shuffle, Rick Tocchet has gone from being a sought-after candidate to the one in control, setting the terms himself.
Forget about teams making coaching shortlists, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, it's Tocchet who's asking the questions right now.
Friedman gives update on where Flyers stand in Tocchet race.
«The line I heard on Tocchet is he's not interviewing with teams, he's interviewing teams...I don't know about Philly. I think he's very high on their list, but I'm not sure what's gonna happen there."
-Elliotte Friedman's update on the race for Tocchet in today's 32 Thoughts
-Elliotte Friedman's update on the race for Tocchet in today's 32 Thoughts
Siobhan Nolan from The Hockey News writes that it's a telling statement that highlights just how much leverage the 61-year-old coach holds right now. With several teams, including Seattle, Philadelphia, and Boston, reportedly expressing interest, Tocchet has become the most sought-after name in this summer's coaching market.
Instead of rushing into a decision, he's taking his time, evaluating each opportunity carefully, and likely ensuring his next stop offers long-term stability rather than being a temporary fix.
Here's what Friedman had to say when asked about Tocchet's coaching future.
«I think Seattle had a lot of interest in him; I'm not convinced that's gonna happen. I don't know about Philly. I think he's very high on their list, but I'm just-I'm not sure what's gonna happen thereTocchet sees himself as worth a certain market.» -Friedman
Now that Vancouver is behind him and his reputation is arguably at its peak, Tocchet seems to be making deliberate, strategic choices. The teams want him, but the real question is, which ones will prove worthy of landing him?
"Philadelphia has a long and storied history with Tocchet. He was a fan favorite during his playing days-tough as nails, deeply respected in the room, and a player whose identity mirrored the hard-nosed grit the Flyers have long tried to embody. That connection hasn't faded with time." -Nolan
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun also weighed in with his take on Tocchet and the Flyers.
«As of Tuesday, my understanding is that the Flyers had not reached out on Rick Tocchet, but I expect that will happen before the end of the week.» -LeBrun
Nolan also writes that the Flyers remain in evaluation mode, but the Tocchet question hangs heavily over their decision-making. They may have been waiting for clarity on Shaw's situation, gauging other potential candidates, or, perhaps most plausibly, aware that Tocchet would be in no rush, and that when the time came, they'd need to have their best offer ready.
"It's a fascinating power dynamic. In most offseasons, teams control the narrative-interviewing, evaluating, making offers. But Tocchet, with a potent awareness of his options and no shortage of suitors, has flipped that script. He's vetting organizations just as much as they're vetting him. Fit, vision, personnel, front office alignment-all of it matters." -Nolan
And though Philadelphia brings sentimental appeal and a promising young roster, Tocchet won't be swayed by nostalgia, it'll take a compelling vision for the future to win him over.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
MAI 12 | 804 ANSWERS NHL Insider Provides Important Update on Where the Philadelphia Flyers Stand in the Rick Tocchet Sweepstakes Do you think Tocchet will coach the Philadelphia Flyers next season? | ||
| yes | 553 | 68.8 % |
| no | 251 | 31.2 % |
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